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Clemson provides update on trio of suspended players ahead of CFP title game
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The suspension of three Clemson players following a failed drug test will be upheld for next week’s national championship game, Tigers athletic director Dan Radakovich announced Thursday.
“Clemson will not have tight end Braden Galloway, offensive lineman Zach Giella and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence available for Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama,” Radakovich said in a statement. “However, Clemson has been informed by the NCAA that the three student-athletes will be permitted to travel to Santa Clara, Calif., with the team later this week.
“As requested by these student-athletes, Clemson filed notices of appeal with the NCAA. We will continue to work with the three impacted student-athletes and their legal representatives over the coming weeks to prepare the appeals. Neither Clemson, Galloway, Giella nor Lawrence anticipate having further comment on this matter until after the appeals have concluded.”
Lawrence is the most high-profile player among the trio, serving as a key piece of No. 2 Clemson’s star-studded defensive line. But the Tigers still recorded six sacks and non-stop pressure in their 30-3 demolition of No. 3 Notre Dame in last week’s College Football Playoff semifinal, which all three players missed.
The three players tested positive for the banned substance ostarine last week, though both they and Clemson maintain the players were unaware they took it.
Lawrence’s absence will be a huge boon for No. 1 Alabama, which takes on the Tigers at 8 p.m. ET next Monday.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
